Russian Athletes Banned from Olympics for Doping Lose Appeal

The 2018 Winter Olympic Games officially begin this evening with an opening ceremony in PyeongChang, South Korea. While athletes from around the world are excitedly waiting for their time to shine, many Russian athletes will be absent.

“In Sochi in 2014, the Russian sports ministry ‘tampered with more than 100 urine samples to conceal evidence of top athletes’ steroid use throughout the course of competition.’ As a result, some Russian athletes have recently been disqualified from the 2014 games. After Olympic officials finish working through the corrected results, they will award medals to ‘retroactive winners from Sochi.’”

Russian athletes who have not violated the anti-doping policy were allowed to appeal this ban, but, as TheNew York Times reports, their appeals were denied right before the Games are about to begin.

“This Panel is faced with evaluating an unprecedented response to an extraordinary situation, that is, a state-sponsored doping scheme,” the IOC panel said.

Forty-seven Russian athletes participated in the appeal. Russia, however, continues to deny that any of its athletes were doping.

Despite this ban, 168 Russian athletes who have been deemed “clean” will still compete in PyeongChang.

“We welcome this decision, which supports the fight against doping and brings clarity for all athletes,” said the IOC.